AP Biology Flashcards: Elements of Life
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
If a plant's soil is depleted of nitrogen, which essential macromolecule will it primarily struggle to produce?
A plant in nitrogen-depleted soil will struggle to produce nucleic acids, as nitrogen is a key component.
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If a plant's soil is depleted of nitrogen, which essential macromolecule will it primarily struggle to produce?
A plant in nitrogen-depleted soil will struggle to produce nucleic acids, as nitrogen is a key component.
What is the fundamental process by which living organisms construct the molecules they need for life?
The fundamental process involves organisms taking in atoms from the environment and using them to build essential macromolecules.
Which element is a key component of proteins?
Sulfur is a key element required for the composition of proteins.
Besides C, H, and O, what three other elements are mentioned as being key for specific macromolecules?
The other key elements mentioned are sulfur (for proteins), phosphorus (for phospholipids and nucleic acids), and nitrogen (for nucleic acids).
From where do organisms obtain the atoms needed to build essential macromolecules?
Organisms obtain the atoms needed for building molecules from their surrounding environment.
What is the role of nitrogen in the composition of essential macromolecules?
Nitrogen is an essential element required for building nucleic acids.
What are the three primary atoms organisms use to build molecules?
The three primary atoms used by organisms to build molecules are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Which element is required for both phospholipids and nucleic acids?
Phosphorus is the element required for the composition of both phospholipids and nucleic acids.
A cell is unable to build its cell membrane and its genetic material. A deficiency in which element could be the cause?
A deficiency in phosphorus could be the cause, as it is essential for both phospholipids (membranes) and nucleic acids (genetic material).
An analysis of a newly discovered molecule reveals the presence of sulfur. To which group of essential macromolecules does it most likely belong?
Because sulfur is a key component of proteins, the molecule most likely belongs to the protein group.